Resolving Fine Lines

For our resolution test, we reset the camera to its default settings and then used the highest resolution and quality setting. The camera was then set to +1.3 E.V. For more information, refer to our Testing Procedures page. When reading this chart, the numbers represent lines per picture height (LPH). For example, the number 16 would represent 1,600 LPH. Click on the thumbnails below to download the full resolution chart.

Nikon 4100 Canon SD300 Olympus Verve

+1.3 EV

+1.0 EV

+1.0 EV
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Nikon Coolpix 4100 VS. Canon PowerShot SD300

Roll your mouse over the 200% crops below to see the difference between the Nikon Coolpix 4100 and the Canon PowerShot SD300 resolution charts.


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Nikon Coolpix 4100 VS. Olympus Stylus Verve

Roll your mouse over the 200% crops below to see the difference between the Nikon Coolpix 4100 and the Olympus Stylus Verve resolution charts.


Hold mouse over image.


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In our resolution chart, the Nikon 4100 puts in respectable performance compared to similar cameras that we have tested. In the horizontal crop, it is able to resolve lines out to 1,150 LPH, which is just a bit less than the Canon SD300 and the same as the Stylus Verve. In the vertical crop, the 4100 resolves lines to 1,200 LPH, nearly matching the Canon SD300 performance. All three cameras show some moiré near their resolution limits. The 4100 shows some very subtle JPEG artifacts along edges in the test. Overall, we are very impressed with the results. The Nikon Coolpix 4100 puts in a slightly better-than-average resolution performance for a 4 megapixel camera.

The Timing Tests Color Reproduction
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  • stephencaston - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link

    #4: You make a good point. As we are relatively new with digital camera reviews, we are still building our base of comparisons. However, check out the comparison cameras on the testing pages to see the relative performance of similar models we have reviewed.
  • Turin39789 - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link

    In most hardware reviews when a product falls short in terms of quality for its category/price range the article will mention the top performers/best values. This article tells me the nikon 4100 is not for me, but doesnt really point me in the right direction for a better choice.
  • skrivis - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link

    I looked at these, but Nikon USA is offering a rebate of $200 on the Coolpix 5400. (Until 03/31)

    I got much more camera for about $50 more. Total price after rebate was $259.
  • stephencaston - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link

    #1, I think you meant the 4600. At any rate, we are always limited to what is available to us at the time. We certainly intend to look into the entire new line-up of Nikons in the future as they become available to us. Even so, the 4100 is very popular and widely available. Hang tight for the new Nikons...we are eagerly awaiting our chance at reviewing them.

    Stephen
  • buttwhacker - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link

    Its a good thing Anandtech is reviewing cameras but please the next time before you review the cameras make sure they are current coz this one is discontinued.... yeah, discontinued. The replacement for Coolpix 4100 is Coolpix 4900, pretty much the same but with a bigger screen and smaller size, look into that.
    Thanx for the review anyways.
  • woodhamiiltonn - Monday, January 28, 2013 - link

    Nikon Coolpix 4100 is a good camera and you've allocated an informative review of this camera. I enjoyed the camera comparison you've made and I think anyone would be delighted before purchasing Nikon Coolpix 4100. Thanks.

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